Vidya and Avidya

In order to achieve a goal, one must do work. Effort usually encounters some form of resistance, inertia. On a physical level, we are bound by the force of gravity to start with. In order to raise a shopping bag from the floor, for example, we need to use strength. To walk, we need to overcome inertia and some amount of air resistance. Indeed this is the case with any effort, be it physical or psychic.

According to yogic philosophy, there are two forces at play in the universe that aid us or hinder us in our progress. Vidya is the introversive force, or the force of light, whereas avidya is the extroversive force, also seen as the force of darkness. An aspirant fights against the pull of avidya in order to achieve spiritual realisation through practice and effort.